Branch Arterial exploded onto the scene with their debut EP “Voices Unknown” released in early 2011, and bringing with them an intense and breathtaking live show. Having formed in 2009, they have created a unique sonic take on modern Australian progressive rock, and have cemented their place in the Melbourne live scene. With their powerful and mature sound, and aspirations to spread their music abroad, the local scene will be unlikely to hold these very ambitious musicians down. June 2012 sees the release of their new single ‘Faces,’ available on the night.

Supported by Glass Empire, who will also be launching a brand new single, Rainbird and Paint me a Phoenix.

Doors 7.30pm, Entry $15, pre-sale $10. 18+ event

Tickets available directly via the bands

The Hi Fi Bar (125 Swanston St, Melbourne)

Tickets online from www.thehifi.com.au

Phone Tix 1300THEHIFI (1300 843 4434)

Polyester records (Fitzroy, City).

http://www.newskinn.com/
www.facebook.com/brancharterialmusic
www.facebook.com/glassempire
http://rainbirdofficial.com/
http://www.myspace.com/paintmeaphoenix

Nobody quite does horror the way that Hammer Studios does. It’s nice to sit down and watch a horror film and be genuinely scared rather than have to sit back and watch countless people hacked up for some sicko’s pleasure, no The Woman In Black goes back to that old Hitchcock style horror that has you jumping out of your seat throughout the film.

Based on a novel by Susan Hill The Woman In Black follows a depressed lawyer named Arthur Kipps (Daniel Radcliffe – Harry Potter & The Deathly Hallows: Parts 1 + 2) who despite having a young son, Joseph (Misha Handley – newcomer) has never really recovered from the death of his worth.

In a bid to save his job Arthur takes a trip to a mysterious coastal town where he is to settle the estate of a recently deceased estate. Once there though he discovers that the estate consists of a mansion that all the locals warn Arthur not to go to.

Despite their warnings Arthur goes to the mansion and after he sees some mysterious events there the children of the village start dying. Soon the town’s people don’t want to have anything to do with Arthur, all except for Sam (Ciaran Hinds – John Carter, Ghost Rider: Spirit Of Vengeance) and his wife (Janet McTeer – Albert Nobbs, Island) whose own son was the victim of a tragic accident.

Director, James Watkins (Eden Lake) keeps the audience on the edge of their seat after easing them with a slow opening that does consist of some alarming deaths… let’s just say that this is one horror film that isn’t scared to kill kids.

Watkins uses every tool in the horror handbook (except gore) to scare his audience and he is certainly one director that isn’t afraid to show that good old-fashioned sound effects can still terrify an audience within an inch of their life.

He also owes the screenwriters a hell of a lot because they really have come up with a good supernatural thriller that never allows the audience to predict what is happening at all. The ending may be a little weak but the dark Gothic style of the film will leave even the hardened horror fan very happy indeed.

It does take a little while to get used to seeing Daniel Radcliffe in a role other than Harry Potter, but give it time as soon you find yourself accepting him as Arthur Kipps. Radcliffe performance is credible although you can’t help but wonder if he is a little too young to be cast as a father. Still he does surprisingly seem suited to period pieces and his performance here would suggest that he will in fact of an acting career outside of The Harry Potter series.

The Woman In Black is a return to old-school horror and shows that it still has a lease of life in modern cinema. This is a great supernatural thriller that is guaranteed to creep you out.

Year: 2012

Director: James Watkins

Stars: Daniel Radcliffe, Misha Handley, Ciaran Hinds, Janet McTeer

Classification: M

Runtime: 95 mins

Rating:

It’s very easy to sit back and point the figure at Iron Sky’s ordinary special effects, a cast of unknowns or even the fact the story is so far-fetched it’s hard to believe that a human could conceive it, but there is still something that you have to love about a film that despite its weaknesses still keeps you entertained for its entire running time.

The ‘out there’ plot tells the story of ‘moon Nazis’, a party of Nazis who in the closing stages of World War II left Earth and set-up a base on ‘the dark-side of the moon’. Now days the base is inhabited by Nazis including the determined (and in line to be Fuhrer) Klaus Adler (Gotz Otto – TV’S The Last Cop & Stuttgart Homicide) and his bride-to-be, the naïve Renate Richter (Julia Dietze – 205: Room Of Fear, Berlin Angels).

While the Nazis plan for an attack on Earth their plan is rushed forward, in the year 2018, when a space-shuttle containing astronaut, James Washington (Christopher Kirby – I Love You Too, Mao’s Last Dancer) lands near the base. The Nazis believe that it is a sign that there base is under attack when it is actually a political-stunt by U.S. President (Stephanie Paul – Separation City, The Frequency Of Claire) and her PR advisor, Vivian Wagner (Peta Sergeant – TV’S Satisfaction & Canal Road). The result is inter-galactic war.

The reason that Iron Sky works is because the screenwriters and director, Timo Vuorensola (Star Wreck: In The Pirkinning, Norjalainen huora) doesn’t let the film take itself too seriously. They know that the film is ‘out there’ and they film it in such a way that they are making fun of themselves without ever dipping into complete parody.

In fact when you take a look at the script it actually has some ‘intelligent’ aspects. The Sarah Palin-esque President is a great touch, but it is when the film takes a mighty swing at U.S. politics and the U.N. that you begin to realize that the screenwriters have used ‘comedy’ to mask a pretty serious message… one that you may or may not agree with.

It is also worth noting that the screenwriters don’t really make light of the Nazi party so nobody should be too concerned that the film will offend anyone. It’s a thin line that the screenwriters skate, but they do it remarkably well.

Some of the acting is a little wooden and at times poor old Christopher Kirby has to suffer wearing some very ordinary special-effects make-up but the star of the show really is Julia Dietze. She is brilliant from start to finish and even if Iron Sky does nothing else it has certainly put this talented actress on the map.

Iron Sky isn’t for everybody but if you enjoy a sci-fi that is a little left-of-centre but doesn’t become a farce than you certainly won’t be disappointed if you give it a glance.

Year: 2012

Director: Timo Vuorensola

Stars: Julia Dietze, Peta Sergeant, Stephanie Paul, Gotz Otto, Christopher Kirby

Classification: M

Runtime: 93 mins

Rating:

It was a cool night, but a very strong crowd braved the nearing-winter Melbourne conditions to pack the mighty Evelyn for Crossing Romeo’s album launch this evening. Having sat in the cold outer of the MCG for three hours to watch the mighty Hawks defeat the Saints, I was feeling kinda chilled to the bone, so some hot rockin’ in the toasty and familiar surrounds of the Evelyn was definitely in order.

The strangely named Have You Seen this Boy warmed the crowd very nicely indeed with their ultra catchy but highly energetic pop rock. These guys have a sound and style with great crossover appeal, they get the blokes fisting the air with their rock energy and the ladies dancing and singing along with their tunes. Their songs are delivered with great exuberance and punch, and their live set overall was a very spirited and enjoyable one.

An atmospheric intro sample and impressive lighting display heralded the arrival of the main act. To my knowledge, Crossing Romeo are on their third name. They were formerly known as Rhymada, and I think they may have even had another name before that, possibly ‘Empire’. The reason behind so many name changes is unknown, but the main point is that these guys seriously have their act together. Their album, which they were launching this evening, is a beautifully produced slab of ‘stick in your head’ power-pop, with an alternative rock edge. They are a bunch of good looking blokes with strong stage presence and a big, twin guitar sound, and their live set is polished, smooth as silk and full of brash energy.

Their set this evening was, unsurprisingly, dominated by the new record, but they threw a sprinkling of their old Rhymada tunes as well, including their awesome previous single ‘Feeling You’. Name changes or not, these guys have everything in place: they have the sound, the look, the stage presence and now a sensational sounding record. They should now push on to attain the stardom that beckons.

I have followed this band with interest for the last two or three years. Through no less than two name changes (they were called ‘Rhymada’ up until just recently, and before that ‘Empire’) and a stylistic correction that has seen them morph from a pretty hard edged, although still highly accessible, alternative rock act to a fully fledged (although still powerful!) pop/rock band.

This latter change caused me a degree of trepidation as I awaited their debut album. But, like any change, it’s a positive thing if it’s done well. And within one listen dispelled any doubts I had. Their self titled debut is certainly very much aimed at broad appeal, but they do it oh so well.

They have walked a fine line very skillfully on this record, between maintaining just enough connection to their alternative roots, and thus being likely to retain at least some of their older fans, whilst potentially opening a whole new world for themselves. A world where commercial radio and TV play is eminently possible, where playing supports with some very well known acts and headlining their own shows across the nation should be on the cards. Where the building of a large fanbase is pretty much a gimme, given the right level of support.

And while their commercial appeal has just gone through the roof, they haven’t merely wheeled out a collection of throwaway, three minute pop tunes that sound like they were written in 5 minutes each. The songs are mature and strong and leave a very powerful and lasting impression. Check out closer Bring Back the Lie, in all of its lush, memorable, evocative seven minute glory. And as an added bonus, the production levels (courtesy the great Lindsay Gravina at Birdland Studio) are as strong as can be imagined for a band who would still be on a reasonably tight budget.

If there were any justice and open mindedness in the world, commercial radio and television would be picking this up, giving it high rotation airplay and promoting these guys to the stardom they richly deserve. Fingers crossed….

http://www.facebook.com/crossingromeo

This side project for two members of Melbourne’s mighty Engine Three Seven released an excellent debut single a few months back, entitled Restless, and a very neat, catchy little tune it was. Ripe for Triple J airplay and ready to appeal to a potentially very broad audience.

They have followed up with a second single Burn the Ground, which offers something a little edgier and more up tempo this time round, although just as engaging. It’s a nice big fat groove based on an almost jazzy chord progression, with impassioned vocals over the top, great drumming and guitar work and subtle but strong harmonies in the chorus. And the production sounds sweet.

Again it has hit potential written all over it. Soon I’m going to grow a little weary of single songs and start to yearn an album, or at the very least an EP, from this very promising new unit.

When you see the opening track on Melbourne 4 piece group President Roots’ new album is called ‘Dad’s Stoned’ you instantly think, ‘have I stumbled upon a parody album’. But that certainly isn’t the case. No far from it to be honest. Instead Feelin’ Fooled is one of the best mix of alternative country and rock that you are ever likely to hear.

The fore mentioned track actually turns out to be a great acoustic track that has a real Tim Rogers feel to it, while the album’s title track is smooth laid back and you can easily imagine it being the perfect track to listen to while you are chilling in a pub.

‘Soul Mining’ sees President Roots go real country (not that that is a bad thing when you are talking about these guys) while ‘Ain’t No Cure For Love’ is one of those catchy songs that is so infectious it will just get stuck in your head.

‘Mostly All Of The Time’ and ‘Cool Change’ have some sweet melodies that begin to promise that President Roots are something special, and then comes that something SPECIAL!!! ‘Spider Fingers And Hearts’ in a sensational track that has the potential to become a classic, one of those GREAT Australian tracks while ‘The New Black’ isn’t far behind.

‘What Goes On’ is another good track while ‘Gods Waiting Room’ is perhaps the track that means you have heard of Presidents Roots before (even though you may not recall when) because this was actually one of the most played songs on community radio not that long ago.

Feelin’ Fooled rounds out with the nice ‘Drifting’ and a live version of ‘Recycling Girl’… great tracks in their own right.

This album deserves to be a sleeper hit this year, it’s the kind of one that you listen to and then want to tell your friends about. President Roots have delivered one of the best albums of the year.

 

So this time around, he will come not only armed with the most gifted rock vocalist of this generation, Mr. Myles Kennedy and the band of Conspirators, but with an arena production to deliver his fabled show; just as the rock gods intended. SLASH & Co are set to perform an all killer career spanning set from early Guns to Velvet Revolver and 2 amazing solo albums, the latest of which, Apocalyptic Love, has garnered praise from fan forums to broadsheet newspapers and all points in between.

“Like some kind of rock ‘n’ roll kaleidoscope, the album evinces the legendary guitarist at his best from all angles. There are soft and subdued moments. There’s danger. There’s mayhem. There’s blues. There’s shred.” – Artistdirect

Like the new album, and the debut before it, the perfect rock marriage of Gibson and Marshall comes to life in SLASH’s live show.  “In front of a wall of Marshall amps Slash in top hat, leather pants and sleeveless shirt played his guitar like a man possessed racing from one side of the stage to the other” Triple M

Tickets go on sale Friday 1 June, 9am.

 THURSDAY 23 AUGUST BRISBANE, THE RIVERSTAGE– Lic A/A

www.ticketmaster.com.au

SATURDAY 25 AUGUST     SYDNEY, ENTERTAINMENT CENTRE – Lic A/A

www.ticketmaster.com.au

SUNDAY 26 AUGUST MELBOURNE, HISENSE ARENA – Lic A/A

The art deco Astor Theatre is a Melbourne icon, the last of our great single screen picture palaces. It has survived a World War, the advent of video, DVD, movies on demand and the multiplex.

After almost 80 years of continuous screening, The Astor Theatre is under threat. 

The Astor also prides itself on taking presentation seriously. Some younger audiences today probably don’t even know that an actual highly trained person used to man actual projectors to ensure the movie runs smoothly. We have become the place to see classics in 35mm, rare 70mm presentations and now in 2K and 4K DCP format. Our auditorium features the giant Superscreen and acoustics that are not found in any multiplex – simply said – it’s a whole other experience.

And there is the history. The theatre has stood, intact, for over 75 years. The loss would be devastating. And now we are ready to officially and loudly launch THE FRIENDS OF THE ASTOR ASSOCIATION. A group of very devoted individuals from various demographics and areas of expertise to lead the charge to ensure the closure of The Astor to the public will never happen.

That’s why we are calling on Melburnians to get active to Protect The Astor. 

Metal Blade Records announces the signing of epic Heavy Metallers RAVEN BLACK NIGHT from down under!

RAVEN BLACK NIGHT formed in 1999 in Adelaide, Australia to start their campaign to bring their traditional metal sound to a worldwide audience. After numerous gigs throughout their home country they recorded and released their debut album Choose The Dark in 2005.

Choose The Dark garnered praise throughout Australia and Europe, culminating into an invitation in 2007 to perform at the 10th annual Headbangers Open Air in Germany. Several years of touring and festival appearances were to follow where RAVEN BLACK NIGHT played the Hard and Heavy summer nights, the Hamburg Ballroom, and more dates throughout Australia.

RAVEN BLACK NIGHT main men Jim and Rino are prepared to take the RAVEN BLACK NIGHT’s sound of true metal/doom to a global audience. A new partnership with Metal Blade Records and a new album, which is now being written, will firmly RAVEN BLACK NIGHT on the world map of true heavy metal.

Comments RAVEN BLACK NIGHT singer/guitarist Jim Petkoff: “As founders or Raven black night me and my metal brother Rino Amorino are proud and excited to sign with Metal Blade, a label with a rich history and much respected in the metal world. We believe Metal Blade will help bring Raven Black Night to the metal masses and look forward to a great journey together.”

RAVEN BLACK NIGHT is:

Jim Petkoff, the white knight [guitar/vox]

Rino Amoriono, the raven [guitar]

Chris Dorian [bass]

Christiain Jones [drums]

Big Tom [bass] * only live